What it asks: "Shall city of Boulder taxes be increased by ($3,360,000 first full fiscal year dollar increase) annually and by such amounts as are raised annually thereafter by the imposition of an excise tax of 5 percent in 2014 and up to 10 percent thereafter on the cultivation facility at the average market rate at the point of transfer from the cultivation facility and an additional sales and use tax of 3.5 percent in 2014 and up to 10 percent thereafter on recreational marijuana as provided in ordinance No.

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7916 commencing January 1, 2014 with sufficient revenues from the excise and sales and use tax to be used for public safety, enforcement and administrative purposes and for comprehensive substance abuse programs including without limitation prevention, treatment, education, responsible use, intervention, and monitoring, with an emphasis on youth, and with the remainder used by the general fund; and in connection therewith, shall the full proceeds of such taxes at such rates and any earnings thereon be collected, retained, and spent, as a voter-approved revenue change without limitation or condition, and without limiting the collection, retention, or spending of any other revenues or funds by the city of Boulder under Article X Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution or any other law?"

What it means: Voters are being asked to approve a 5 percent excise tax on marijuana that could be increased to as much as 10 percent. Excise taxes would be collected on grow operations and manufactured product facilities that produce marijuana in Boulder but sell it elsewhere.

What supporters say: The 5 percent excise tax is much lower than the initial staff proposal of up to 15 percent. Some of the money raised by the tax would be dedicated to drug education and treatment. A separate sales tax also was not added to the ballot.

What opponents say: Opponents say taxing the marijuana industry could prevent its growth and result in potential buyers continuing to use illegal means of purchasing marijuana. Some also questioned the need for some of the tax money to go toward drug treatment.

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